Policy for Volunteers
Welcome to Prison Book Program (PBP). PBP’s mission is to send free books to people in prison, and we’ve been doing it since 1972. You are a vital part of PBP’s success. Our organization depends on the resources, expertise, and compassion that you and our other volunteers contribute.
PBP staff members will ensure that new volunteers receive appropriate training, and they will circulate among volunteers during sessions to assure that work is flowing smoothly. In addition to following the directives of our staff, we ask that you review and comply with the policies included in this information sheet. Note that we may revise these policies now and then to stay up-to-date with changing times. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask our staff.
PBP staff members will ensure that new volunteers receive appropriate training, and they will circulate among volunteers during sessions to assure that work is flowing smoothly. In addition to following the directives of our staff, we ask that you review and comply with the policies included in this information sheet. Note that we may revise these policies now and then to stay up-to-date with changing times. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask our staff.
Thank you for volunteering!
- Equal Opportunity. PBP is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and accessible volunteer environment. We accept and train volunteers age 16 years or older, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, conviction history, veteran status, national origin, or marital status.
- Harassment-Free Environment. PBP does not tolerate any harassment of any kind. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes, other verbal, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual—particularly in relation to any of the categories listed above in “Equal Opportunity.” This includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or any other conduct of a sexual nature. These actions constitute harassment when:
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct is either explicitly or implicitly made a condition of being a volunteer; or
- Creates a hostile, offensive or fearful environment.
Any volunteer who believes he/she/they has been a victim of harassment should speak with PBP’s Executive Director or PBP’s Board President.
Harassment of any nature is a serious offense. Retaliation against a volunteer or staff member who raises a concern about harassment is also serious and will not be tolerated by PBP. Harassment or retaliation may result in disciplinary action toward a volunteer or staff member, up to and including exclusion from further volunteering or termination of employment. - General Conduct. In addition to the prohibition against harassment described above, PBP prohibits the following:
- Providing false information when signing up as a volunteer.
- Falsifying any document or information on the PBP premises or otherwise relating to PBP or its incarcerated readers.
- Creating or contributing to a disturbance or causing damage to property.
- Use of PBP equipment without permission.
- Sending books under PBP’s name to someone you know, or know of, who is incarcerated.
- Illegal conduct of any kind.
- Confidentiality. Any personal information regarding PBP staff, volunteers, Board members or donors, whether verbal or written, that comes into the possession of a volunteer should be considered confidential and may not be disclosed without the written consent of the individual who is the subject of the information. Likewise, any information related to PBP business, whether verbal or written, that comes into the possession of a volunteer should be considered confidential and may not be disclosed without the written consent of PBP’s Executive Director.
The identity of any PBP incarcerated readers, as well as any personal information that may be included in their letters or artwork, may be disclosed only as directed by PBP staff. - Media and Official Contacts. Volunteers should not represent themselves as spokespersons or representatives of PBP. Any media, donor or official inquiries regarding PBP should be referred promptly to PBP’s Executive Director or other PBP staff.
- Safety. PBP does its best to provide safe conditions and adequate supervision for volunteers, but volunteers should also use good judgment when working at PBP. They should adhere to any safety instructions provided by staff and use supplies and equipment only as instructed. Volunteers should report any safety concern or injury, however minor, to a PBP staff member.
- Personal Belongings. PBP is not responsible for volunteers’ loss of personal belongings, nor is it covered by insurance for such loss. It is the responsibility of each volunteer to adequately safeguard personal belongings.
- Drug-Free Workplace. PBP is a drug-free work environment. The possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs and/or alcohol is prohibited while on PBP premises. Anyone showing up to engage in PBP activities who appears, in the judgment of PBP staff, to be under the influence may be asked to leave PBP.
- Responsibility for Injury or Damage. PBP is not responsible for events beyond our control such as power outages, severe weather, risks of travel, and government actions. Please be aware that as a volunteer, you accept the risks and responsibilities relating to your participation in our work and understand that you will be responsible if you cause any injuries to people or damage to property.
